Parenthetical Phrases
A parenthetical phrase gives extra information to a sentence that is already complete. If you remove the parenthetical phrase, the sentence still functions perfectly – it just isn’t as detailed.
These are the 8 types of parenthetical phrases: (written in italics)
Introductory Phrase
- Many years ago, Andrew’s brother told him the scariest ghost story he’d ever heard.
- Before we found her, Maria had already sent us a text telling us she didn’t need our help.
Interjection:
- Well, you could at least try to have fun.
- Oh, I don’t think so.
- Wait a sec, tell me about your trip.
- Not so fast, you’re not allowed in there.
Aside:
- There are more than 800,000 known species of insects living in the world, in case you didn’t know.
- By the way, you never told me that.
- Just so that you don’t think I’m crazy, I understand how I might sound, but I’m telling the truth.
Appositive:
- Dr. Phillip K. Aston, a researcher at Miami University, has discovered a cure for cancer.
- When I was done with it, I gave the movie script to Hans, my friend who works for Universal Studios.
Absolute phrase:
- The shooting victim, his eyes rolled completely back into his head, was clearly dead.
- I found your grandfather running down Market Street carrying fish, cats chasing him and meowing the whole way.
Free modifier:
- Realizing they were broke, Mario and Elizabeth ended their vacation and returned home.
Resumptive modifier:
- February’s nasty winter weather culminated in a ferocious snowstorm, a snowstorm that would be remembered many years later.
Summative modifier:
- When we told her the news, Andrea went into a blind rage, something she had never done before and hasn’t done since.
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